Phillies turn their attention toward Happ

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies courted Patrick Corbin last week at Citizens Bank Park, but the Nationals bested them Tuesday with a reported six-year, $140 million deal.

The Phillies wanted Corbin. There is little question that he would have made their rotation better. But the Phillies did not want him at those terms. They seemed unwilling to go six years on a player that turns 30 next July and had Tommy John surgery in 2014. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said the Phillies and Yankees each made a five-year offer to Corbin.

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies courted Patrick Corbin last week at Citizens Bank Park, but the Nationals bested them Tuesday with a reported six-year, $140 million deal.

The Phillies wanted Corbin. There is little question that he would have made their rotation better. But the Phillies did not want him at those terms. They seemed unwilling to go six years on a player that turns 30 next July and had Tommy John surgery in 2014. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said the Phillies and Yankees each made a five-year offer to Corbin.

The Phillies are expected to turn their focus to free-agent left-hander J.A. Happ, sources told MLB.com. Happ, 36, went a combined 17-6 with a 3.65 ERA and a 3.98 FIP in 31 starts last season with the Blue Jays and Yankees. He is 47-21 with a 3.44 ERA and 3.91 FIP over the past three seasons, pitching most of his games against the American League East.

Happ has been seeking a three-year contract.

The Phillies have other options, if needed. They have expressed interest in Japanese free-agent left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. D-backs left-hander Robbie Ray could be available in a trade. Free-agent left-hander Dallas Keuchel remains on the market.

But Happ, who was selected by the Phillies in the third round of the 2004 Draft before they traded him to Houston in July 2010 for Roy Oswalt, might be the best fit because he not only has been consistent over the past several seasons, but because he could be signed at the more reasonable price. The Phillies' strength last season was their rotation, so while it could use an upgrade, they don't necessarily need to empty the farm system or back account to do it.

Machado could be the Phillies' priority at this point, although Harper remains on the club's wish list.

But for Philadelphia fans still bummed that Corbin will be pitching against the Phillies for the next six years, consider this: Corbin's deal seems to leave the Nationals with less money to re-sign Harper. That could benefit the Phillies in the long run, if they sign him or not.